The series takes viewers through the process of development and the evolution of Ghost Recon Online into Ghost Recon Phantoms.

“Our fans have stood by our side for the past two years and we want to give them behind the scenes insight into the thought and work that went into maintaining, improving and evolving the game.” said producer Corey Facteau.

“The information shared in the series goes beyond Ghost Recon Phantoms and discusses free-to-play games more generally, touching upon our learnings about the importance of community, having the right production team to ensure all parts of the game move in synchronization and the challenges of offering a game as a service.”

Ghost Recon Phantoms: The Journey is comprised of eight episodes, and two episodes will be released weekly on Ubisoft’s YouTube channel through April.

Ghost Recon Phantoms will be available worldwide on Steam and PC on April 10.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/04/04/ghost-recon-phantoms-web-series-chronicles-development-watch-first-two-episodes-here/feed/0Ghost Recon Online renamed Ghost Recon Phantoms, out this Aprilhttp://www.vg247.com/2014/03/17/ghost-recon-online-renamed-ghost-recon-phantoms-out-this-april/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/03/17/ghost-recon-online-renamed-ghost-recon-phantoms-out-this-april/#commentsMon, 17 Mar 2014 17:22:28 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=457344Ubisoft’s free-to-play tactical shooter previously known as Ghost Recon Online, has been given a new name: Ghost Recon Phantoms. The game has left the beta phase and will be released April 10.

In a press release sent to VG247, publisher Ubisoft confirmed the name change and added that the new game will feature updated visuals and will implement a number community feedback that was collected during the beta.

“The end of open beta is a new start to the game. The difference between where the game started and the game today is so considerable that we felt we should mark it with a fresh identity,” said Corey Facteau, producer of Ghost Recon Phantoms.

“Feedback from our five million players throughout beta enabled us to continuously increase the content of the game and to improve what makes the game unique, the blending of intense shooters with the teamwork and tactical depth of MOBAs. Ghost Recon Phantoms brings a narrative layer to the game based around The Phantoms, ex-Ghosts and current adversaries who left The Ghosts to pursue personal agendas. We’ve also added new gameplay elements to expand the depth of the game and give new experiences to seasoned veterans. Of course, no accounts will be wiped, and our current players will not have to start over.”

Some of the new features that will be in the final release are:

Updated Characters and Maps: The game’s new identity comes with a new art direction, including new character and device design for all three classes as well as a complete reworking of lighting and level design on the majority of maps. Referencing military system prototypes, the art team created realistic new gear for players which delivers an experience representative of tomorrow’s battlefields.

Major Changes in Matchmaking and Customization: With the launch of the game, the Development team is also going to address the main concerns of the players. The matchmaking will now take into account both the skills and gear, which will create a fair gaming experience to all users, both new and veterans, paying or not. The team is also going to reveal the new “Mod Master” and weapon camo systems, which will allow countless customization possibilities.

Upcoming Features Built With the Community: Post-launch the team will continue to develop new features and weapons to keep the gameplay dynamic. Currently the team is fine-tuning tactical insertions and smoke grenades, which are being tested in large scale playtests by the community before being released in-game in the near future.

In addition, the publisher provided some before and after shots of some of the maps for your viewing pleasure below:

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/03/17/ghost-recon-online-renamed-ghost-recon-phantoms-out-this-april/feed/0Ghost Recon Online: Ubisoft explains Steam Early Access releasehttp://www.vg247.com/2014/01/16/ghost-recon-online-ubisoft-explains-steam-early-access-launch/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/01/16/ghost-recon-online-ubisoft-explains-steam-early-access-launch/#commentsThu, 16 Jan 2014 10:28:15 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=440664Ghost Recon Online producer Corey Facteau has explained why his team opted to offer the game on Steam Early Access in a new interview.

The shooter has been in beta since Summer 2012. Speaking with Eurogamer, Facteau explained, “Bringing Ghost Recon Online to Steam has been our goal since the game’s inception. We took the time necessary to reach a quality level that can go head to head with the best online games available today before releasing on Steam.

“As the top shooter for gamers who enjoy team gameplay, we have also seen our audience expand to include MOBA fans, who comprise fifty percent of our user base. To ensure a seamless transition to the new platform, we will use Early Access to fine tune the Ghost Recon Online experience before releasing it to the rest of the world.”

There’s still no word on a final launch, but have you played the shooter yet? If so, what do you think?

Six weapons and three armour sets associated with Splinter Cell’s Sam Fisher have been added to the game, along with Splinter Cell avatars.

The update also added a new map called Khyber Stronghold, which you can check out in the trailer below. Ubisoft told IGN that the Pakistani fortress is “the most ambitious map we’ve developed to date”.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/09/27/splinter-cell-content-added-to-ghost-recon-online/feed/0Ghost Recon Online partnership between ESL and Ubisoft announcedhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/09/12/ghost-recon-online-partnership-between-esl-and-ubisoft-announced/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/09/12/ghost-recon-online-partnership-between-esl-and-ubisoft-announced/#commentsThu, 12 Sep 2013 16:05:17 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=407522Ghost Recon Online is joining the eSpots line-up thanks to a partnership between the ESL and Ubisoft. A seven-week series of matches will begin in both Europe and the US September 16 with the top four teams earning a spot in the continental Final Playoffs. Teams must consist of anywhere between six and 20 players in order to battle it out for the €5,000 cash prize. Registration opened Monday, and you can sign up and well as find out more information through the game’s official website.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/09/12/ghost-recon-online-partnership-between-esl-and-ubisoft-announced/feed/0Ghost Recon Online update adds Phantoms, huge map, and morehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/07/11/ghost-recon-online-update-adds-phantoms-huge-map-and-more/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/07/11/ghost-recon-online-update-adds-phantoms-huge-map-and-more/#commentsThu, 11 Jul 2013 04:33:05 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=387154Ubisoft has released the 0.12.0 update for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online, adding a huge pile of Phantom-themed items (that’s the Ghost nemesis, not the comic book hero), the game’s biggest map to date, and the usual pile of fixes and tweaks.

Although Ubisoft has not provided full patch notes, it did hand out the trailer and bullet points below:

Enter the Phantoms
A faceless terror and new nemesis for the Ghosts of Ghost Recon Online, the Phantoms are mysterious and deadly. Witness the murderous rise of the Phantoms in the 0.12.0 Trailer – Enter the Phantoms. The Phantom Pack comes with sinister new armour, avatars and never-before-seen weapon variants in Phantom camouflage.

Biggest Map to Date
The latest and largest map in the GRO world: Xinyi District is set in Taiwan and is inspired by the famous tech corridor of the same name. The fans have spoken and the developers are listening. The new map incorporates a five-point capture system, where teams will need to capture and hold a linear series of five capture zones to dominate the match. Xinyi District is the first of a new generation of maps to use the new “Monster” lighting system. Now GRO can offer improved graphic quality, more realistic lighting for all resolutions, more balanced gameplay and high-res shadow effects without the high computing cost. Additional lighting improvements for all maps are in the works and on the way.

Improvements, Improvements Everywhere
Fine tuning, device enhancements and tactical movement changes are just a few of the latest gameplay improvements coming in 0.12.0. Players can also enjoy an array of cosmetic changes, from realistic shell ejection to the signature singe-eye AR displays.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/07/11/ghost-recon-online-update-adds-phantoms-huge-map-and-more/feed/0Rezzed 2013 line-up adds playable Splinter Cell Blacklist, Mighty Quest For Epic Loot & morehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/06/06/rezzed-2013-line-up-adds-playable-splinter-cell-blacklist-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot-more/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/06/rezzed-2013-line-up-adds-playable-splinter-cell-blacklist-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot-more/#commentsThu, 06 Jun 2013 10:05:05 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=374306Rezzed 2013 is the PC and indie games expo hosted by Gamer Network, and it has just added a raft of playable Ubisoft titles to its line-up, including Splinter Cell: Blacklist and free-to-play effort The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot.

In a press release sent to VG247 this morning, Gamer Network confirmed that Splinter Cell Blacklist, The Mighty Quest For Epic Loot, Might & Magic: Duel of Champions, Trials Evolution Gold and Ghost Recon Online will all be playable on the show floor.

David Lilley, events director at Gamer Network, said in a statement, “This is an exceptional line-up from Ubisoft demonstrating the strength and diversity of PC gaming. We’re delighted to add these games to the Rezzed show floor and look forward to sharing them with our attendees this June”.

Rezzed 2013 takes place at The NEC, Birmingham on the 22-23 June, and you can buy tickets here for £12 per day, or £20 for a two-day pass.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/06/rezzed-2013-line-up-adds-playable-splinter-cell-blacklist-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot-more/feed/0Ghost Recon Online Wii U still “on hold” despite commitment to the consolehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/18/ghost-recon-online-wii-u-still-on-hold-as-focus-remains-on-pc-version/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/18/ghost-recon-online-wii-u-still-on-hold-as-focus-remains-on-pc-version/#commentsSat, 18 May 2013 14:49:58 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=368245Ubisoft has stated that the Wii U version of Ghost Recon Online is still “on hold” as the team’s focus remains on the PC version. However, this doesn’t mean Ubisoft is committed to Nintendo’s Wii U console.

“The WiiU version of the game is currently on hold while we focus on developing the PC version.”

Back in September 2012, the game’s producer, Theo Sanders, stated the Wii U version had been put on hold for the reason stated above, and said should the team “have an opportunity to address” the Wii U version again in the future, it would release an announcement on the matter.

Ghost Recon Online for Wii U was announced during E3 2011, and its absence during E3 2012 sparked rumors that the sku had been canned, a rumor Tony Key, Ubisoft’s SVP of sales and marketing, dismissed stating the development focus was on PC first.

“As with any new console, it takes some time to grow an established base,” a representative from Ubisoft told GI International. “Ubisoft has a varied and high-quality line-up for Wii U, with more big titles on the way including Rayman Legends, Watch Dogs, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag and Splinter Cell Blacklist.

“We’re confident that this will help in continuing to attract gamers to the Wii U system and that Nintendo will take steps to ensure that the Wii U is successful in the market.”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/18/ghost-recon-online-wii-u-still-on-hold-as-focus-remains-on-pc-version/feed/12Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online patch 0.11.0 releasedhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/04/25/tom-clancy%e2%80%99s-ghost-recon-online-patch-0-11-0-released/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/04/25/tom-clancy%e2%80%99s-ghost-recon-online-patch-0-11-0-released/#commentsThu, 25 Apr 2013 17:01:00 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=361699Patch 0.11.0 for Ghost Recon Online is now available and features new content, features and game service improvements.

New content includes the new map Attica Heights, which is a high security building in Singapore’s business district. It’s the second map created for the Holdout mode and features a split-level environment.

The OMEGA Pack, featuring new gear and weapon designs can be added to players equipment load-outs, is based on the military group which handles security for the Attica Heights facility.

With the update, players will also be able to fully test any weapon in the Firing Range and new tiers of weapons will be unlocked as players level up. The Field Testing system will award temporary trial versions of the weapons as they become available, and can be used in three standard matches.

Project TOPOS: Beta Map Testing will give players the ability to try prototype maps with their clan mates while helping to improve the design of the maps with their feedback on the forums.

Finally, four new bundles will be available to help with player progression as they level up, and will include vintage, limited-edition weapons in Mystery Boxes. Each box has a possibility of dropping rare and valuable items.

The update can be found through the link, and you can get a look at it in action below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/04/25/tom-clancy%e2%80%99s-ghost-recon-online-patch-0-11-0-released/feed/1Assassin’s Creed 3 items heading to Ghost Recon Onlinehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/02/11/assassins-creed-3-items-heading-to-ghost-recon-online/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/02/11/assassins-creed-3-items-heading-to-ghost-recon-online/#commentsMon, 11 Feb 2013 17:22:39 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=338911To mark the release of Assassin’s Creed 3 pack The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy, Ghost Recon Online players can now dress up their ghosts like assassins and equip them with weapons from the Abstergo armoury.

In a statement passed to VG247 today, Ubisoft confirmed that Ghost Recon Online players can now use the following items:

I’m positive I didn’t see any of those weapons in Assassin’s Creed 3, but if you want them anyway, you can unlock them using in-game Requisition points or by spending in-game currency, Ghost Coins.

Buy the lot as a bundle and you’ll save up to 15%. All downloads come with an exclusive avatar.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/02/11/assassins-creed-3-items-heading-to-ghost-recon-online/feed/0Ghost Recon Online update 0.10.0 released, containsnew game mode, map and Clan Match featurehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/01/23/ghost-recon-online-update-0-10-0-released-containsnew-game-mode-map-and-clan-match-feature/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/23/ghost-recon-online-update-0-10-0-released-containsnew-game-mode-map-and-clan-match-feature/#commentsWed, 23 Jan 2013 19:52:38 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=332528Ghost Recon Online update 0.10.0 has been released for PC. The update contains the new Holdout game mode, the Balaklava Sub Pen map and the Clan Match feature, as well as several game service improvements and fixes.

The update was released alongside the Triton Pack featuring naval-themed avatars, weapons and armor.

Here’s the rundown of what’s included in the update, straight from Ubisoft:

Holdout Game Mode: The teamwork, tactics, and strategies of players will be tested in the newest game mode for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online®. In the Holdout game mode, both teams will contend over a single capture point set in the middle of the map. Take control of the point, and defend it until the round ends to emerge victorious. With shorter round timers, and both teams converging on a single capture point, players can expect fierce and frantic firefights in Holdout.

Balaklava Sub Pen Map: Designed specifically for the new Holdout mode, the Balaklava Sub Pen map is inspired by the formerly classified, underground submarine facility in Ukraine that was operational until 1993. Symmetrical and compact in design, with only one capture point, the map gives players of all skill levels plenty of opportunities to jump into the fight and start having fun right away. The map offers a lot of depth with multiple strategic areas and approaches to the capture point – whether it be the folding bridge that offers an elevated vantage point, or the tunnel entrances that provide flanking opportunities.

Triton Pack: Complementing the naval theme of the new map is the new Triton Pack. Players will be able to outfit their Ghosts in brand-new helmets and armor vests, equip them with upgraded weapons, and personalize their profile with custom avatars. The Triton Pack will only be available for a limited time throughout the month of January.

Clan Matches: Following up from the introduction of the Clan feature a few months ago (October 2012), which gave players the opportunity to create and join clans, players will now be able set up custom matches against other clans. Form a squad from your own clan mates, pick a map of your choice, and send out a challenge to your rival clans – it’s time for all the GRO clans to show off their skills and find out who is the best.

One of the new features is the Beginner’s Playlist, which allows those unfamiliar with the game a course in the basics and and the ability to build up their skills before going up against more experienced players.

Players who have all three characters between levels one to four can utilize the Beginner’s Playlist and play against similar players. The beginner’s Playlist is a separate matchmaking queue, but players still have the option of playing against more experienced players should they choose the All Players Playlist instead.

A Halloween Content Pack featuring new Halloween skins as well as different weapon stats has also been added. These six Halloween weapons will only be available for a limited period.

Finally, starting with the 0.9.0 patch, various elements of Clans will be introduced in phases. Active players will first be able to start the formation and management of their own Clans.

Players will also be able to enhance Clan identity through Clan Tags and customizable Clan crests. The next phase of Clans will happen on January 16, with the introduction of competitive elements, allowing players to challenge other Clans in either ranked or unranked Clan matches.

Have a look at the trailer and screens below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/26/ghost-recon-online-patch-adds-halloween-themed-items-clan-compatibility-starts-rolling-out/feed/0Ghost Recon Online – Arctic Pack out nowhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/09/13/ghost-recon-online-additional-content-arctic-pack-out-now/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/13/ghost-recon-online-additional-content-arctic-pack-out-now/#commentsThu, 13 Sep 2012 08:27:17 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=296658Ubisoft has released its first content expansion for free-to-play tactical shooter, Ghost Recon Online. The Arctic Pack features a new conquest map and a host of new weapon and equipment variants. All of the content is available via either in-game or premium currency. Full content list detailed through the break.

The full list of content available via the Ghost Recon Online Arctic Pack is as follows:

Tomsk-9 map

Six Arctic Camouflaged Weapon Variants

L86A1 IW ALP Light Machine Gun

MK 16 CQC ALP Assault Rifle

P90 SD ALP Sub-Machine Gun

M-200 SD ALP Sniper Rifle

NC2000 C ALP Shotgun

USP 45 ALP Pistol

Three Arctic Camouflaged Headgear Variants

OCF-FL2 Helmet ALP (for the Assault class)

ECW-G5 RS Hood ALP (for the Recon class)

CBRN-L4 Headgear ALP (for the Specialist class)

Two Arctic Camouflaged Body Armor Variants

HERMES S-03 Mk. II ALP

TITAN S-03 MK. II ALP

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/13/ghost-recon-online-additional-content-arctic-pack-out-now/feed/0Ghost Recon Online’s Arctic Pack expansion hits next weekhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/09/06/ghost-recon-onlines-arctic-pack-expansion-is-live/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/06/ghost-recon-onlines-arctic-pack-expansion-is-live/#commentsThu, 06 Sep 2012 13:59:50 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=294437Ghost Recon Online Arctic Pack expansion will be released next week. It comes with the new Conquest mode map Tomsk-9, bringing with it a new map, limited-edition arctic camouflage weapons, and and new head gear and body armor. The new weapons will be available in the store for two weeks, while the armor will remain a permanent fixture. You can find out more on the free-to-play Ghost Recon Online through the official website. Expect it to drop on September 14. Via Pologon.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/06/ghost-recon-onlines-arctic-pack-expansion-is-live/feed/0Ghost Recon Online Wii U ‘on hold’, PC is key focus – Ubisofthttp://www.vg247.com/2012/09/06/ghost-recon-online-wii-u-on-hold-pc-is-key-focus-ubisoft/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/06/ghost-recon-online-wii-u-on-hold-pc-is-key-focus-ubisoft/#commentsThu, 06 Sep 2012 11:47:35 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=294367Ghost Recon Online development on Wii U has been halted, Ubisoft has confirmed.

In a statement issued to Videogamer, Ghost Recon Online’s producer Theo Sanders confirmed the hiatus, “As of right now, the entire Ghost Recon team is focused on the PC version only. The Wii U version is on hold. If in the future we have an opportunity to address it again, we’ll make future announcements. But as of right now we’re focused completely on the PC version.”

When asked if the delay was anything to do with the Wii U format itself, Sanders added, “It’s not a reaction to anything specific happening to [Wii U]. It was a really fun, cool platform to develop for. But you realise once you launch an online service that it’s an all-consuming effort, so we really wanted to have all hands on deck. It was the same dev team working on both SKUs, and [we] really wanted to focus on doing the PC version right.”

“I’m not really in a position to talk about the Wii U,” Sanders stressed, “but our particular choice for Ghost Recon Online was purely based on the fact that we had one dev team working on both SKUs and it was an all-consuming effort with the PC launch. It’s tough launching an online game.”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/06/ghost-recon-online-wii-u-on-hold-pc-is-key-focus-ubisoft/feed/5Ghost Recon Online launch trailer releasedhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/08/15/ghost-recon-online-launch-trailer-released/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/08/15/ghost-recon-online-launch-trailer-released/#commentsWed, 15 Aug 2012 20:00:10 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=286884Ghost Recon Online, the free-to-play shooter from Ubisoft, has gone into open beta and to celebrate the fact, the firm has released a brand new launch trailer for it, which you can view below. Go download it here.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/08/15/ghost-recon-online-launch-trailer-released/feed/0Ghost Recon Online now in open betahttp://www.vg247.com/2012/08/09/ghost-recon-online-now-in-open-beta/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/08/09/ghost-recon-online-now-in-open-beta/#commentsThu, 09 Aug 2012 02:00:48 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=284465Ubisoft has thrown open the doors on free-to-play shooter Ghost Recon Online. What are you waiting for?

To get the ball rolling, Ubisoft has introduced a weekly misson scheme. The first is called Eagle Eye and challenges players to maintain an accuracy of 15% over five matches. Those who succeed will score a rare Mark IV armour insert.

New missions are promised every week, and will be detailed on the event page.

Three: it’s the magic number; it’s the denomination in which bad news arrives; it’s the number of the classes available to play in Ubisoft’s free-to-play, third-person, cover-based shooter, Ghost Recon Online. So, what is the number three for Ubisoft: triumphantly potent or worryingly portentous?

Approaching Ghost Recon Online, I’m immediately dubious of the seemingly slender pickings that it offers: four maps, three character classes and two game modes, which brand manager Pierre Thomas suggests is representative of the content that will be initially available when the game emerges from beta later this year.

Countering this dearth of map and game mode choices is Ghost Recon Online’s most immediate strengths, which are drawn from the wider franchise: just five minutes in, it’s evident that the route-one approach of running and gunning is going to result in nothing but a quick death and the minor prickle of frustration.

Instead, Ghost Recon Online is deliberately positioning itself as a more considered free-to-play offering; one that promotes and rewards investment, specialisation and, above all, the key tenets of the Ghost Recon franchise: team work and the strategic use of future tech.

“It’s really a tactical team-based shooter and so you don’t play a lone wolf,” explains community manager Juan Eduardo Eguiguren when I relay to him my embarrassing raft of early deaths. “You’re very much part of a team; being a very good player and going it alone just isn’t enough.”

“You’re playing in the near future with key technology and devices,” adds Thomas. “If you compare it to the classic Ghost Recon games you’ll find the same spirit runs through Ghost Recon Online and so you can’t win a game without using your strategic abilities.”

Classes overview.

It’s these strategic abilities that form the basis of the customisation options of Ghost Recon Online and bolster that seemingly meagre offering of three classes, to allow for focused specialism. The abilities come in two distinct flavours: active powers, dubbed ‘devices’, and passive, team-based buffs. Both devices and team abilities are class specific, with a choice of two of each type for the three character classes: Recon, Specialist and Assault.

The team-based abilities come into play after progress has been made through several levels and open up useful but unspectacular buffs, such as providing ammo to team mates or boosting defence, but it’s through use of the devices that matches are won or lost. Choosing when to deploy devices – and which to use in conjunction with one another – is what adds the layer of strategy and elevates Ghost Recon Online above simple run-and-gun antics that rely on the endless cycle of spawn-spam-die-repeat.

The Specialist, for example, has the ability to deploy the Aegis shield to provide cover for a handful of team mates to push through choke points by rendering those inside its sphere invulnerable to bullets, for a limited time. However, this is can be countered by the second device of the very same class: an EMP generator that disrupts all devices in a limited radius.

The Recon’s franchise-familiar cloaking technology provides the perfect camouflage to move into a strategic sniping position, but the Recon also has access to Oracle, which transmits red outlines of all enemy troops, whether behind cover or cloaked, to the HUD of every friendly team member.

Finally, the Assault class’ subtle-as-a-sledgehammer Blitz endows it with a riot shield and offers a speed and power boost that allows for charge manoeuvres into heavily defended territory but is weak against an opposing Assault’s HEAT device that uses microwave technology to fry fools who rush in.

Recon class.

It’s through these delicately balanced pairings of attack and counter-attack, and the fact that only one active and passive power can be selected per class, that Ghost Recon Online finds its ebb and flow and promotes mini-battles against opposing team members of the same class. That’s not to say that each class can only be countered by its mirror, of course, as there’s nothing to stop an Assault character Blitzing an AEGIS-touting Specialist whose shield is effective against incoming munitions but not blunt trauma to the head. Similarly, a Specialist that deploys Blackout in a known sniper location is likely to find at least one camped, cloaked Recon who suddenly looks very silly; lying there prone, sheepish and soon to be dead.

Show me the money

So, at what point do you have to cough-up the cash or risk getting left behind? Well, real-world cash can be used to purchase in-game currency, which in turn can be spent on weapon and armour unlocks. But a separate in-game currency earned, in varying amounts, by winning or losing rounds and by participating in the daily challenges, can be used for the same purpose.

Specialist class.

Ultimately, Ghost Recon Online does an admirable job of convincing you that it’s not a free-to-play game at all but, curiously, that’s its biggest strength and greatest weakness. The visuals, game design and balancing emulate a full-priced offering, but it’s less than generous map pack suggests micro-transaction where currently there are none.

Nor is it currently the most forgiving or inviting title for new players, who might be expecting the free-to-play moniker to equate to large helpings of positive reinforcement and being showered in free items and upgrade options early on, neither of which materialise.

As the beta stands, it refuses to cater to run-and-gun junkies who want a five-minute free-to-play fix. By doing so, Ghost Recon Online positions itself to reward a longer-term investment of time, regardless of whether you ever decide to fork out any money. Furthermore, players that revel in team-based games, especially those that buddy-up with friends to form tight knit squads, are going to revel in the satisfaction that being on a team in which everyone knows their chosen class inside-out can bring.

Assault class.

Ubisoft will need to sustain the community with regular, well considered content delivery in the form of new maps and game modes, but the seemingly miserly decision to offer just three character classes reveals itself to be a major boon. Through judicious distribution of class-specific devices, Ghost Recon Online promotes specialism to elicit the feeling of playing an active and useful role in a team. Assuming it doesn’t disrupt this balance with future updates, this magic triumvirate could prove Ghost Recon Online’s most unique and appealing feature going forward.

Ghost Recon Online is expected to launch later this year for PC. A Wii U version is also in development.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/07/18/lone-wolf-begone-three-for-all-with-ghost-recon-online/feed/0Ghost Recon Online and ShootMania Storm developer sessions added to Rezzedhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/06/29/ghost-recon-online-and-shootmania-storm-developer-sessions-added-to-rezzed/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/06/29/ghost-recon-online-and-shootmania-storm-developer-sessions-added-to-rezzed/#commentsFri, 29 Jun 2012 13:13:28 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=273691Ghost Recon Online and ShootMania Storm developer sessions have been announced for Rezzed. The event takes place July 6-7 at the Brighton Centre in Brighton. Get the full schedule below.

Friday 6th July

12pm – Project Zomboid – How (Not) To Make A Game

1pm – The Creative Assembly – 20 Years of CA, first look at the future of Total War

2pm – Randy Pitchford – Live Borderlands 2 stage demo and Q&A

3pm – Stainless Games – Carmageddon Kickstarter post-mortem

4pm – Peter Molyneux – On 22 Cans and experimental app Curiosity

5pm – Natural Selection 2 – Live stage demo and Q&A

Saturday 7th July

12pm – Splash Damage’s Paul Wedgwood – “Independent or Bust!”

1pm – Introversion – Prison Architect

2pm – Day Z designer Dean “Rocket” Hall

3pm – Ghost Recon Online – Live stage demo and Q&A

4pm – Rock, Paper, Shotgun’s Gamejam – Making a game live on-stage

5pm – ShootMania Storm – Live stage demo and Q&A, featuring members of Team Dignitas

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/06/29/ghost-recon-online-and-shootmania-storm-developer-sessions-added-to-rezzed/feed/0Far Cry 3, GR Online and ShootMania playable at Rezzedhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/06/14/far-cry-3-gr-online-and-shootmania-playable-at-rezzed/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/06/14/far-cry-3-gr-online-and-shootmania-playable-at-rezzed/#commentsThu, 14 Jun 2012 09:01:59 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=269715A triplet of playable new Ubisoft titles have been confirmed for the PC-centric show, which takes place in the sunny south of England in July.

Ubisoft will be out in force at Rezzed – the PC-focused collaborative effort between Eurogamer and Rock, Paper, Shotgun – with Far Cry 3, Ghost Recon Online and ShootMania confirmed this morning to be playable on the show floor.

Speaking with IGN, Key said the console version of the title will arrive after the PC version has launched.

“Ghost Recon Online is being developed for the PC first. That was always the plan,” he said. “The team is taking a little bit longer than they thought they would to get Ghost Recon Online to the level and quality that they want and that definitely has had an impact on how much time they’re able to spend on the Wii U version because we want to make sure we get it right.

“If we start working on the Wii U too soon, we might end up wasting a lot of resources because the PC is a lot easier to test and learn with. On the PC, we can test and learn with that and apply all the best benefits we learn onto the Wii U version to make sure that it’s a great Wii U game. That’s an unusual product for a console and we want to make sure we nail it. It really is because the PC team is a lot of the same guys that will work on the Wii U.”

Ghost Recon Online for Wii U was announced during E3 2011.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/06/08/ghost-recon-online-still-planned-for-wii-u-despite-its-absence-from-e3-2012/feed/0Ghost Recon Online trailer shows off the Specialisthttp://www.vg247.com/2012/04/30/ghost-recon-online-trailer-shows-off-the-specialist/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/04/30/ghost-recon-online-trailer-shows-off-the-specialist/#commentsMon, 30 Apr 2012 15:51:13 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=254736Ubi’s put out another Ghost Recon Online class trailer, this time showing the Specialist. He’s an electro, melty type of man, who comes with rechargable batteries and fields to deflect enemy fire. He has magic ammo recharges and a shotgun. He’s the techno-king of the camo world. Watch it below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/04/23/ghost-recon-online-is-free-to-play-research-for-ubisoft/feed/3Ghost Recon Online video introduces the Assault class and weaponshttp://www.vg247.com/2012/03/29/ghost-recon-online-video-introduces-the-assault-class-and-weapons/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/29/ghost-recon-online-video-introduces-the-assault-class-and-weapons/#commentsThu, 29 Mar 2012 14:16:00 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=247480Ubisoft has released a new trailer for Ghost Recon Online, which focuses on the Assault class, the second of the three classes.

The assault class can choose from a myriad of roles stealth, support, or any other roles deemed necessary.

The assault rifle and shotgun will be your weapons of choice in this instance. The class will face the most fire as they tend to fight on the frontlines, which is where your class weapons and equipment will come in handy.

Use the TS3B Shield with exoskeleton to ward off enemy fire as you engage in close combat using a speed boost. You can also bash enemies in the face with it, knocking them prone and ready for a kill. As you level, so will your shield.

There’s also the microwave area denial system, or H.E.A.T. if you will, which when deployed, make the enemy a bit useless and unable to run or fire their weapons. It can be upgraded as you level as well.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/29/ghost-recon-online-video-introduces-the-assault-class-and-weapons/feed/0Recon class overview video released for Ghost Recon Onlinehttp://www.vg247.com/2012/02/28/recon-class-overview-video-released-for-ghost-recon-online/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/02/28/recon-class-overview-video-released-for-ghost-recon-online/#commentsTue, 28 Feb 2012 20:40:27 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=237273Ubisoft has released a video for Ghost Recon Online, showing an overview of the recon class which is all about gathering information. Using Oracle technology, players re able see enemies anywhere on the map and use triangular detection, active camouflage, and other skills which are upgradable as you level. A closed beta test will start on March 5 for the free-to-play shooter, which is slasted for release year on PC and later on Wii U.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/02/28/recon-class-overview-video-released-for-ghost-recon-online/feed/1Closed beta for Ghost Recon Online starts March 5http://www.vg247.com/2012/02/09/closed-beta-for-ghost-recon-online-starts-march-5/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/02/09/closed-beta-for-ghost-recon-online-starts-march-5/#commentsThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:08:27 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=232620Ubisoft has announced closed beta testing for Ghost Recon Online will start on March 5. Players interested in participating should head on over to the official website to sign up. The firm has also released a video for the online, free-to-play shooter, outlining the classes and it’s posted below. It’s out this year on PC and later on Wii U. Thanks, Blue.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/02/09/closed-beta-for-ghost-recon-online-starts-march-5/feed/1Ghost Recon Online dev diary introduces the three main classeshttp://www.vg247.com/2012/01/19/ghost-recon-online-dev-diary-introduces-the-three-main-classes/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/01/19/ghost-recon-online-dev-diary-introduces-the-three-main-classes/#commentsThu, 19 Jan 2012 17:15:44 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=227591Ubisoft has released a new developer diary for Ghost Recon Online in which the developers discuss the game’s three main classes. The diary also explains the customization and leveling options which will allow players to become the “ghost” they wish to play in the game. The free-to-play shooter, which was slated for release at the end of 2011, is out this year on PC with a Wii U version to follow. You can still sign up for the beta through here.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/01/19/ghost-recon-online-dev-diary-introduces-the-three-main-classes/feed/0RIP, PC: How Ubisoft managed to be wrong and righthttp://www.vg247.com/2011/11/27/rip-pc-how-ubisoft-managed-to-be-simultaneously-wrong-and-right/
http://www.vg247.com/2011/11/27/rip-pc-how-ubisoft-managed-to-be-simultaneously-wrong-and-right/#commentsSun, 27 Nov 2011 11:23:27 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=218179Ubisoft’s continuing struggles with the PC market still draw community ire, but Nathan Grayson believes the publisher may finally be on the right track, even if it isn’t moving quickly enough.

PC gaming’s transforming in a big way, but many hardcore PC gamers still pine for the past, back when big-budget retail games were made – nay, forged – with their beefy rigs in mind. So it’s time for big publishers to put up or shut up. Bring out the big guns. Give us something with the impact, scope, and craftsmanship of a Battlefield 3 and the business model of a Ghost Recon Online.

There are two topics you never bring up around anybody if you want to keep conversation free of colorful language and knife fights: politics and religion. With PC gamers, though, you’d do well to dive face-first into those landmines long before dropping a bomb of an entirely different sort: Ubisoft. And why not? The Assassin’s Creed publisher has assassinated any good will it might have accrued via DRM that essentially locked up paying customers and threw away the key while simultaneously justifying pirates’ unscrupulous actions.

And that’s just the beginning. Once considered legitimately shocking, last-second delays of Ubisoft PC games have now become par for the course. And let’s not forget the recent From Dust fiasco, which started as a white flag and ended as a kick in the teeth. It’s little wonder, then, that Ubisoft’s rapidly descended to the rank of public enemy number one.

This week, however, saw things reach a new fever pitch. First, some allegedly lost-in-translation comments from I Am Alive creative director Stanislas Mettra had PC gamers spitting flames over accusations of incessant “bitching” and – most alarmingly – claims that they wouldn’t even buy a PC version of I Am Alive anyway. Since then, Mettra’s re-opened the door he seemingly slammed shut, saying that Ubisoft is “still working to see the feasibility of” a PC version. Granted, that comment’s very much at odds with one I received a couple months ago, but that’s honestly neither here nor there at this point.

The most telling slight, however, was Ubisoft’s sudden about-face on Ghost Recon: Future Soldier’s PC version. Initially, the port was like a ghost insofar as it constantly lurked in the background – known only to a select few. Now, though, it’s like a ghost in that it doesn’t fucking exist. But hey, there’s still Ghost Recon Online and, er, ManiaPlanet for PC gamers to look forward to, right? And that’s where Ubisoft’s diaboloical plan finally begins to makes sense – while also going horribly, horribly wrong.

PC gaming is dead, long live PC gaming

Big-budget PC games aren’t what they used to be. Where once games like Doom and Quake blew minds and broke banks on PC, the biggest hits now put their best feet forward on consoles – bleeding-edge PC tech be damned. Why? The short answer is, “Piracy, duh.” But the long answer is, er, a bit longer. And we’ll get to that in a second. First, though, I’m going to attempt to explain to you why Ubisoft has been – in a few key ways – absolutely correct in its recent treatment of the PC. Please save all questions and skull-splitting hatchets until after the presentation.

Logically speaking, it all checks out. Here’s the problem, though: for far too long, Ubisoft misread the writing. It thought it saw a platform on its deathbed and chalked everything up to “piracy this, piracy that.” In reality, PC was (and is) experiencing some particularly excruciating growing pains. It’s evolving, and evolution – as humanity’s lack of super lungs that process all polution and Superman skin that deflects bullets will tell you – doesn’t happen overnight.

So Ubisoft – along with pretty much every other videogame publisher – moved its eggs to a more reliable basket. Then it made innumerable mistakes – both in terms of copy protection and miscommunication/outright lies – in its treatment of PC, and the rest is history. Believe it or not, though, Ubisoft’s finally kinda sorta taking steps in the right direction again.

Back… and better than ever?

If the 45-trillion MMO-makers singing its praises until they’re blue in the face and you’re deaf in the ears are any indication, free-to-play’s kind of a big deal. So far, it’s proven insanely profitable, which has to be kind of confusing for folks who swore up and down that there was no money to be made on PC. Between that, the indie market, cloud gaming, Steam’s constant pricing experimentation, and social gaming, we’re beginning to see the new face of PC gaming: business models that have arisen from old-school PC gaming’s ashes. In their own ways, they manage to mitigate piracy and largely avoid giving legitimate customers unnecessary grief. They’re not just ill-fitting console hand-me-downs.

Here, then, is the second place where Ubisoft has seemingly hit the nail on the head: it’s finally decided to stop treating PC like the scummy, thief-ridden back alley of console gaming. Half-assed console ports weren’t cutting it, so Ubisoft wised up and realized that PC should be handled with care. So long, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier’s assuredly sub-par port. Hello, free-to-play, PC-centric Ghost Recon Online. Other publishers, by comparison, are still living in the stone age.

Sadly, that’s where Ubisoft’s strategy swerves into a ditch and explodes into crying kittens. Yes, it’s seemingly recognized that PC is a unique platform, but it’s dipping its pinky toe into the water when it needs to be making a cannon-ball-sized splash. Unfortunately, Ghost Recon Online is a frankly stiff-looking series off-shoot, and ManiaPlanet – while ambitious – lacks real brand power. Neither seems horrible by any stretch of imagination, but they don’t exactly inspire frothy mouthed excitement either.

At this point, hardcore PC gamers need to be convinced that games releasing under these new business models are worthwhile just as much as publishers need to be convinced that PC’s worth developing for. But if publishers won’t give it their all, consumers won’t pay attention. Instead, PC gamers will continue to feel like they’re getting sloppy seconds while console players enjoy big-budget feasts served up on silver platters. And then we’ll be right back at square one, with companies like Ubisoft saying, “Well, clearly PC gamers don’t want to spend money on these games” when, in reality, the content they’ve been offered hasn’t been worth the asking price.

Obviously, Ubisoft’s hardly the only guilty party here. PC gaming’s transforming in a big way, but many hardcore PC gamers still pine for the past, back when big-budget retail games were made – nay, forged – with their beefy rigs in mind. So it’s time for big publishers to put up or shut up. Bring out the big guns. Give us something with the impact, scope, and craftsmanship of a Battlefield 3 and the business model of a Ghost Recon Online.

Efforts like Firefall and Tribes: Ascend in the F2P space, Unreal Engine 3 for Flash, and cloud gaming’s quiet growth are hopeful indicators that this is the beginning of a much larger movement in hardcore gaming. It may have taken a bit, but PC’s hitting its stride again. If the Ubisofts of the world don’t start trying to catch up soon, they’ll only be left behind.

Ubisoft will not be releasing a PC port of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, preferring to offer the free-to-play game Ghost Recon Online.

“When we started Ghost Recon Online we were thinking about Ghost Recon: Future Soldier; having something ported in the classical way without any deep development, because we know that 95% of our consumers will pirate the game,” Ghost Recon Online producer Sébastien Arnoult told PC Gamer.

“So we said okay, we have to change our mind. We have to adapt, we have to embrace this instead of pushing it away. That’s the main reflection behind Ghost Recon Online and the choice we’ve made to go in this direction.”

Arnoult said Ghost Recon Online is a way of adapting the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier “offer” to the PC market, which he feels varies significantly from that of consoles.

“I don’t like to compare PC and Xbox boxed products because they have a model on that platform that is clearly meant to be €60’s worth of super-Hollywood content,” he said.

“We are giving away most of the content for free because there’s no barrier to entry. To the users that are traditionally playing the game by getting it through Pirate Bay, we said, ‘Okay, go ahead guys. This is what you’re asking for. We’ve listened to you – we’re giving you this experience. It’s easy to download, there’s no DRM that will pollute your experience.’”